Agri ministry to distribute fencing for Indigenous farms’ security

– planting, aquaculture materials also to be provided free of cost

The Agriculture Ministry is intensifying efforts to support Indigenous farmers across Guyana through the expanded distribution of barbed wire, chain-link fencing, fish cages, and free planting materials.
This was announced by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the ongoing National Toshaos’ Council Conference (NTC) in Georgetown.
Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the ministry is responding actively to the needs raised by Indigenous leaders, who have highlighted the need for barbed wire as protection for farmers’ lands.
“I was listening carefully, and we’ve been making copious notes of all the requests this morning,” Mustapha said. “Some initiatives are already in progress. For instance, we’ve distributed hundreds—if not thousands—of rolls of barbed wire in various communities. But demand continues to grow, and we will keep working with communities to distribute barbed wire and chain-link fencing as the need arises.”
The minister emphasized that the government’s efforts are ongoing and not limited to past distributions.
“That doesn’t mean we’ll stop,” he continued. “We’ve received additional requests, especially from Regions 1 and 9. We’ll continue trying our best to meet those demands. We understand that you want to protect your farms.”

Expansion of aquaculture cages
While discussing the topic of cages, Minister Mustapha also revealed plans to install 50 fish cages in several interior and coastal communities within the coming months.
“This year – in another two months – we’ll install 50 cages in various parts of the country: interior locations like Region 9, Region 7, and Region 4, including Pocara, Morocobai, Orealla, and Siparuta,” he stated. “In as little as two weeks, installation works will begin.”
He further confirmed that the ministry has already secured fingerlings to stock the cages once they are in place.
“Some communities have shown a lot of proactiveness, and they’ve received strong support. That’s the kind of engagement we want to continue,” he added.

Free planting materials
In a strong commitment to agricultural development, Minister Mustapha also pledged that all planting materials will be provided free of cost to Indigenous farmers.
“All planting materials—whether pineapple, spices, or any other crop—will be provided free of charge,” Mustapha affirmed. “Before you leave [the conference], we’ll try to get as many materials as possible to you, so that by this weekend, you can take them back to your communities.”
He called on the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to assist with the distribution.

Encouraging continued engagement
Minister Mustapha also urged community leaders to remain engaged and follow up on their requests to ensure timely fulfilment.
“Sometimes I make a commitment, and if no one follows up, the issue only resurfaces at the next Toshaos’ Conference,” he pointed out. “Look at Region 1—those communities follow up regularly, and that’s the level of engagement we need. Let’s continue working together with that level of proactiveness.”
The announcements form part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s broader strategy to boost food security, strengthen local economies, and improve living standards in Indigenous and hinterland communities across Guyana.